Roy Hodgson today said the unthinkable - and claimed England can win the World Cup.

And Hodgson believes his young squad can also upset the old adage by proving you can win things with kids.

England players and management have been careful not to raise expectation levels by avoiding getting sucked into answers about their World Cup chances this summer.

But England boss Hodgson could not help himself when asked whether he thought his team could conquer the world this summer.

“Yes I believe the squad can win the World Cup, otherwise what's the point?" asked Hodgson. "But they're empty words.

"I'm sure Scolari is saying Brazil can win it. If we're going to win it, we'll have to prepare and play very well, and this talented group of players have to show their talent. Otherwise all the words in the world count for nothing.

"We're right to have some degree of optimism and to work on the basis there is a mood of optimism in the country. We'll feed off that, get our energy from that, and we'll make sure we do nothing to make sure we don't let our country down.”

(Image: Action Images)

Hodgson was also quizzed about his young squad which only has six players with World Cup experience and only five have played.

Joe Hart went to the 2010 tournament without playing while Glen Johnson, James Milner, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have played in previous World Cups.

Hodgson believes Southampton - who have three players in the squad - are a great example of the rewards when you give youth its chance.

Hodgson added: "Southampton may have proved that wrong this year. I'm not sure that old adage about young players is as true as it once was. This is a 23-man squad. We're not talking about 11 here.

"There are an awful lot of caps in this 23. It would not surprise me if we added the caps up in any particular match we'll be right up there with other teams as well.

"The youngsters are there because they deserve to be there. They can all play. I'm not taking anyone just for the experience, unless you can count Jon Flanagan.”